Sunday, February 21, 2010

Dr. Alice Christie

On Dr. Christie's website, there are many useful components that can definitely help teachers in the classroom. The section I browsed through was her publications. Dr. Christie discusses many interesting topics throughout her different articles. One article that presented an on-going struggle in the classroom was Recognizing (Almost) Invisible Gender Bias in Teacher-Student Interactions. Dr. Christie discusses how she interacts differently with boys and girls. I also learned about gender stereotypes in my EDF class. Many times, teachers will handle different situations depending on if it concerns a boy or a girl. It is easy to spend more time with boys and explain the process of how something works. Teachers will then compliment on their understanding. On the other hand, teachers will simply tell the girls how to do the assignment and compliment on their willingness to cooperate and join in on discussion. It is extremely easy to assign certain tasks and behaviors depending on the gender. This article presented interesting facts and ways to avoid the gender bias.

Language Arts Comes Alive as Middle School Learners Become Information Producers is an interesting approach to incorporating language arts into the classroom. In this article, Dr. Christie discusses the use of technology in the classroom and how it can help students with learning language arts. Her class made multimedia newspapers that were broadcast throughout the school. This technique introduces a different source of communication, and the students become information producers. I think this would be a great thing to incorporate into my curriculum because it gives the students a new way of communicating and constructing language. It still teachers the importance of writing but without the pen and paper. I love this idea, and I believe it can definitely work in an English class.

I have never thought about using iTunes for education, but it is amazing everything that can be found on iTunes U. I think iTunes University can be extremely helpful in the classroom. Teachers can post lectures, power points, videos, and so much more on iTunes for their students. Students get instant access to all the teacher's information and be able to do research to better prepare for class. Teachers can save so much time by using iTunes, and they can introduce their students to information from all over the world. iTunes U definitely makes it easier to find great information to use in the classroom.

iTunes University can be extremely helpful for both the teacher and the student. Teachers can view other universities, and they can share ideas. It makes it so much easier for teachers to share their assignments and findings with their students. Students no longer have to spend hours of research all over the web, but instead, can simply view tons of great stuff on iTunes. It appears to be much more convenient and easy to use. iTunes U can be used for practically anything, and it is great to incorporate into the classroom. Students can "learn anything, anytime, anywhere."

For a couple of years now, Duke University has been distributing iPods to their students. The students use the iPods in the classroom, in which they can record lectures and have access to classroom content, such as historical speeches and foreign languages. The students can also use the iPods for field experiences, and they can record interviews and notes. By using the iPod, the students always have access to class notes and other necessary information. They also have access to iTunes University. There are some problems associated with the use of the iPod, but overall, it has greatly improved the classroom experience.

I think that distributing free iPods is a great idea, and I know I would greatly benefit from something similar to this. It would be so convenient to be able to record everything and have instant access to needed materials in and outside the classroom. The problem I face is that so many of my teachers at South do not allow the students to use any type of technology during class. We are forced to hand-write our notes, and print tons of articles and papers. While I do like using textbooks over e-books, I am much faster at typing and it is simply easier to use a computer. I wish South would consider this; however, I am almost positive they would say the intuition would have to be raised. Obviously, the incorporation of technology in the classroom has greatly benefited the faculty and the students.

This past week, I commented on Isabella's Senna and Sharko's Scary Adventure. I really enjoyed her story, and I thought it was great how her classmates were able to give constructive criticism about her piece. They all said what they liked about it, and they also gave suggestions on what could be changed. I really enjoyed viewing the Endless Ocean blog, and I thought all the students were extremely creative. I loved seeing the students' work and their improvement.

4
comments:

Your comments on the iPod in the classroom were interesting. The weekend before school started, I purchased an iPod Touch. I never had dreamed of how much I would use it in school. I can access my EDM310 blog, gmail, and my blog to keep up with new postings if I'm not at my computer. I could actually do a lot of my test review for my music class on my Touch as well, without being at my computer. I have a professor that will not post the homework anywhere but on the internet for two math classes, so I can get the homework assignment, past solutions and any news, on the spot, without being at my computer. All I need is WIFI. I love this thing.

Some other applications for the iPod that I can see for me, personally, would be to somehow set up my bookmarks to reflect those on my computer, so I can access things like math information from other universities to help with homework or understanding the lecture. I like to download some podcasts for EDM310 homework to review while driving. It's nice to be mobile and have the information at your fingertips when you need it, no matter where you are.

So I would see the same for students. The downfall I see is just in getting started. It takes some time to get the information organized for sync between computer and iTouch. So it's some time. Over the past two months, I've come a hundred miles using this thing, and it has made life easier.

Jamie, Dr. Christie's article, Recognizing (Almost) Invisible Gender Bias in Teacher-Student Interactions, was very interesting. I find it interesting that as a teacher, I have to work really hard to prevent gender bias... not all girls love Barbie and not all boys love Legos. As teachers, we need to offer opportunities to both boys and girls. Enjoyed your thoughts...

I agree that it would be great if we would put tools in the hands of learners. That's where they should be. And my thought when I read your comments on the gender boas issue was: I have very few males in my classes. What, two out of 20 in Class B? Now what does that say, mean, or ....?

I can't believe how technologically advanced schools are becoming! I am seriously considering buying an ipod touch in order to keep up with school. I wish ipods were included in our tuition here at South!